The hall bathroom in a 1,500-square-foot Cape Cod-style house in Seattle was falling apart—literally. “The bathroom was old and dated, with several areas beginning to fail—tiles were cracking, grout was deteriorating, and overall functionality was limited,” explains interior designer Jessica Dorling. “Storage was minimal, making it difficult to keep the space organized. The existing tub took up valuable square footage but wasn’t needed, as we were adding a full bathroom upstairs. Lighting was another major issue; the space lacked both adequate fixtures and natural light, making it feel dark and closed-in.”
Kara Mercer
Jessica worked with the family on completely remodeling the four-bedroom, one-and-a-half bathroom home, which included the outdated bathroom on the first floor. The family had spent a year abroad in England and were looking for a design aesthetic that blended European charm with natural elements.
“The clients wanted the bathroom to reflect the updated aesthetic of the rest of the home and new addition—modern, clean, and thoughtfully designed,” Jessica says. “Their goal was to maximize every inch of usable space while creating a bathroom that felt cohesive with the overall design vision. Functionality was key, but so was achieving a timeless, elevated look that aligned with the home’s newly refined style.”
Kara Mercer
While working within the existing footprint, Jessica and team completely gutted the bathroom and reimagined the layout. They removed the existing tub and replaced it with a walk-in shower since a new full bath was being added upstairs.
Because additional square footage couldn’t be added, Jessica had to be strategic about maximizing every inch of space. “We also had to carefully navigate building codes, ensuring proper shower width, toilet clearance, and vanity placement,” she explains. “Every measurement had to be precise. Balancing these technical requirements while still achieving a modern, fresh aesthetic required thoughtful planning and attention to detail at every step.”
To deal with the lack of storage, they installed a vanity with plenty of space and an added a recessed medicine cabinet with built-in outlets. To improve lighting, layered fixtures were added and a larger window was installed to bring in more natural light.
Kara Mercer
And while Jessica and team made the bathroom more functional, they also made sure to add some style by going with bold tile. The client fell in love with a patterned wall tile and Jessica used it as a jumping point for the rest of the design.
The owners love the newly redesigned bathroom and are particularly happy about the unique tile choices. “Even though the square footage stayed the same, the beauty and functionality of the space improved tenfold,” Jessica says. “They especially appreciated the unique tile floor paired with complementary wall tiles, both visually striking and practical. The wall tile, in particular, stood out not just for its style but for how easy it is to maintain. Now, the main floor bathroom feels like a natural extension of their newly renovated home, thoughtful, stylish, and perfectly suited to their needs.”
